Naturalization Ceremony

Becoming a United States citizen is a long and arduous process for those not born a citizen of America. The lucky few who are able to complete the entire process can rightfully say that they know more about United States history than most students in public education. Friday, July 2 the process ends for some when the President Benjamin Harrison Home holds a naturalization ceremony for new U.S. citizens, their families and Indianapolis people. Join these new American brothers and sisters as they experience their first moments as a rightful citizen of the United States of America. This Indianapolis event is FREE and open to the public. The ceremony begins at 10:00 am on Friday, July 2.

The process of naturalization in America is confusing to say the least. With dozens of court rulings and laws on the books, all with conflicting information, a uniform process for naturalization free from racism and bias did not even exist in America until 1952 when the Nationality Act lifted racial restrictions on the naturalization process. Up until then, little by little, minorities fought their way through the system in an attempt access basic human rights in the United States constitution.

Even now, the process to become a naturalized citizen in the United States is a confusing one. People wishing to undergo the naturalization process must meet a laundry list of requirements including an age limit and legal residency for five years before submitting the application. In addition, applicants for citizenship are asked ten questions about the United States and must answer at least six correct to become a citizen. The topics for the questions span American history to politics and government, as well as testing the applicants knowledge of American society and the English language. In addition to the test, applicants must also meet and satisfy other very specific requirements of naturalization.

The Benjamin Harrison Home celebrates the completion of this process this July Fourth weekend on the south lawn of this Indianapolis museum. Friends, family and the general public are invited to welcome these new United States citizens as they take their oath of naturalization from Judge Sarah Evans Barker. There is no better way to celebrate freedom this Independence Day than by being part of the first step towards achieving the American Dream at this Naturalization Ceremony.